Japan is set to begin testing advanced security cameras with “behavior detection” technology that aims to catch criminals before they commit crimes.
These cameras, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), will be used to protect high-profile public figures in the country. This development comes after the unfortunate shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a failed assassination attempt on Japan’s current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The AI-equipped cameras will focus on three types of detection: “behavior detection” to analyze movements, “object detection” to spot weapons, and “intrusion detection” for restricted areas.
The National Police Agency hopes that these cameras will provide an extra layer of security and assist in identifying suspicious activity.
Behavior detection is an essential feature of these AI-based cameras. Using pattern recognition, the system learns to identify unusual movements displayed by individuals. For example, repeatedly looking around in a suspicious manner.
The goal is to recognize such behavior and alert authorities to the presence of potential threats, especially in crowded areas.
The National Police Agency plans to conduct the testing phase before March 2024, with a focus on accuracy and performance. Facial recognition technology, however, will not be included in this testing process.
Based on the results, a decision will be made on whether to implement this technology in an official capacity.
This use of AI-powered cameras brings to mind the movie Minority Report, where a specialized police department apprehends criminals based on predictions from psychics.
While not as futuristic, Japan’s approach reflects its willingness to utilize surveillance cameras in various aspects of daily life.